While it anxiously awaits its Major League Soccer fate, Phoenix Rising FC is taking care of business in the United Soccer League.
Phoenix Rising won its fourth straight game Wednesday night -- and in doing so, climbed atop the Western Conference of the USL, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. Its 1-0 win over Rio Grande Valley in Tempe gave the team 53 points on the season and moved it into a first-place tie in the West with Real Monarchs.
Solomon Asante's second-half goal was the difference for Phoenix Rising, which is closing in on a playoff berth for the second time in as many seasons in the East Valley, as well as its first-ever home playoff game in Tempe.
Well...@Asante208 made our first shot on target count. #RisingAsOne pic.twitter.com/zH6o3chrZI
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) September 6, 2018
Phoenix Rising has seven games remaining on its regular-season schedule. Next up: a visit to San Antonio FC on Saturday.
Phoenix Rising is one of 10 organizations in the mix for two remaining MLS expansion franchises. Team owners met with MLS officials in New York City in July to make their case for entry into the league. Less than a week later, MLS commissioner Don Garber suggested Phoenix Rising could be one of three finalists for a new MLS team.
